Midnight RPG - Chapter 14.72

Kevin

• [This scene takes place after Zal'Kazzir frees the imp-like Outsider from his bonding prison above Vrolk's bedchamber... Assume the imp speaks to you all with these words in public, if you have something private to speak with it about - do so in another Bluebook (please ASK me BEFORE beginning a new private article.]

NAZIF, as picutred here, naked and possible chilled was found as such captured seemingly as one of "the Vile's" pets or playthings. Once rescued, he quickly found his courtly cloak, rings, jewelry and other accoutrements. While not embarrassed by being without close, any good advisor knows the importance of "looking the part".

The little imp... like a tentative diplomat. The look in its eyes speaks decades. It keeps eye contact with you, slowly moving to each "lord" in the room as it cautiously moves, as to not insite agitation, and it seems to be processing this new information all the way... Listening prior to being set free the Outsider coughs, clearing its throat in ever so untreatening a way... Recalling the tonalities of the Erenlander tongue, it speaks...

"Information is life in the land beneath the Shadow, my lords... My friends...", as if slipping into conversation...

It’s little belly swells and shrinks with each breath. Then it bows before you.

"How EVER may I be of service, ma-lord?", it asks in a soft, mature and courtly voice.

The imp has a courtesan manner about it as it collects those things taken from it when imprisoned, it continues...

"Forgive me, I have you at minor disadvantage ma-lords. While I can see that you have wonderfully disguised yourselves to no doubt fool the fools about Master Vrolk's Black Nail, I have the advantage of knowing your race and creeds, as would my mother know her own childlings... Forgive. You may not be familiar with such as strange fellow as I...

My kind was sent to Aryth in ages past, unkownable to even the eldest of fey, our roles... to play privy to kings, queens, couquerors and courtly aspirations. Quite pointedly to negotiate with the wizards and kings of the day.

Sadly as the Shadow fell, the mountain that was hurled from the heavens RIPPED the very fabric of the cosmos in such a was that a large number of my kin, kith and kind were stranded during that Sundering.

It is my soul wish, NAY - responsibility, ma-lords, to aid those that seek refuge from the Shadow and mallevolent minions of Aryth to make deals with whatever channelers, wizards, and collaborators will have us. We Outsiders remain natural ambassadors, bridging the divide between earthly mortals and unearthly evils.

"It is with newfound thanks that I must offer now, to you my new MASTER", it says looking at Zal'Kazzir.

"You have certainly let loose my perverbial chains, freeing me from my decades of torment at the hands of an elf, barron of elven sensibilities... Not to speak of his lacking in the manner in what makes mortal man into kingly might. Though it is with great sorrow that you have learned my true name...", as his finger flutters a touch at the ashes resulted from Zal'Kazzir's burning of the skin marked with the word "NAZIF".

'Tis true you, good sir, have freed me. Yet in knowing the ture name of my kind you now hold me sway, beneath your benevolet brow. It is with this, MASTER, that my heart weeps... For rescued me from doom, you are my samaritan, my conservator, my deliverer, my knight, my liberator, my rescuer, my salvager, my hero, you are my salvation... You ma-lord, I would have followed unto the Shadow-Scar., the little courtisan looks away in humbled thought (at the same time glancing to see if your heart-strings are pulled as intended!)

For unlike many of my breathern, I would have followed a true pathwalker, a heroes-journeyman unto the Gates of HELL!

And now... bound as I am, I shall march, to your drum. Though, forgive my insolence MASTER, but I feel it is my duty to unveil my heart as much my mind - my mind grows heavy that it must be without choice in the matter. More a slave than a devout. I only wish there were way that you might see my loyalty to the cause without the necessity of the incorporeal shackles that tie my bond to you forever ma-lord..., Nazif looks up with whimpering eyes.

(ADAM, for your eyes ONLY, see below for a Sense Motive check on this)

Pushing the mist from his bulbous eyes the little ambassador nods to each of you.
Looking you in the eye - not to make ANY one of you feeling less than the other...

"As I said ma-lords, my TRUE name is Nazif how EVER may I be of service."

Adam/Zal'Kazzir

Hail and well met, small one! *Zal'Kazzir smiles warmly*

It seems I may have met my match in word-smithing, and certainly my better in garb and taste. *Zal'Kazzir gives a flourished half-bow*

Be welcome, but be mindful of such harsh words; you are no slave, no more than a Beeshi is slave to his Sussar, and it is ungenerous to accuse one's liberator of enslaving his friends.

Please, sit and let us talk; there is much for us to discuss; have you eaten? *Zal'Kazzir gestures to a plump steak* There is food aplenty and I don't think our rudely absent host will miss it.

[Adam: I'm sure this conversation will probably confuse and/or annoy several characters, but I guess that's the price of diplomacy :P ]

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Midnight: North & South Portal

• [EVERYONE BUT Zal'Kazzir FIREWALL THIS: With Zal'Kazzir's insight into "hirelings" such as this, having heard of them in the past, possibly even dealing with a few in the past - the Imp's motives, while a large portion sincere, are truely his own... It is obviously to Zal'Kazzir that this little one is in good use of all his attributes. Playing to your simpathy, playing on his deminative size - hoping that you will release him from servatude. He is (and will likely always) try to escape his newest "bonds". Being "in-service" to anyone isn't the best option, as you know. While Nazif, may eventually become your confidant - who's to say you can/should ever REALLY trust him for not trying to "get free". This is just a reminder based on Zal's abilities. It MAY or MAY NOT be true in the long run. Nazif MAY truly become your best friend in the future, willing to give his life for you. That all depends on the relationship YOU cultivate! heheh...]